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Discover Rwanda’s Top 5 Must-See Destinations
While Rwanda is among Africa’s smaller countries, it boasts remarkable wildlife diversity. Its compact size facilitates easy and swift travel between attractions, which is advantageous considering the numerous spectacular destinations the country offers.
1. Kigali
Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, acts as the main entry point for remarkable Gorilla Trekking experiences in the nation. Whether arriving from major logistics centers in East Africa such as Entebbe or Nairobi, your trip might entail a direct transfer to Volcanoes National Park or a pleasant overnight stay in Kigali, renowned for its compactness and safety, and offering enriching tours and Safaris. Alternatively, direct flights from Johannesburg, South Africa, offer convenient access, enabling the easy addition of a gorilla trek to a vacation in Kruger, Cape Town, or Victoria Falls. There are also frequent connections from Lusaka, Zambia, which are perfect for travelers exploring the Lower Zambezi or enjoying a walking Safari in South Luangwa National Park.
2. Volcanoes National Park
Situated in the northwest region of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park, also known as Parc National des Volcans (PNV), shares borders with neighboring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Encompassing a vast expanse of 8,000 square kilometers, this breathtaking area safeguards five of the nine awe-inspiring Virunga Mountains. Each mountain is distinguished by its steep slopes cloaked in dense, verdant tropical rainforest. The Virunga Mountain Range comprises a total of nine volcanoes, with the tallest, Karisimbi, towering at 4,507 meters. Six of these volcanoes are dormant, while the remaining three are active, creating an ideal habitat for the world’s last surviving mountain gorillas.
3. Nyungwe Forest National Park
Located in the southwestern region of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is an expansive, pristine tropical rainforest characterized by its dense, lofty canopy. Designated as a National Park in 2004, Nyungwe was established as Rwanda sought to diversify its tourism offerings beyond the famed mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. Undoubtedly deserving of its protected status, Nyungwe Forest National Park boasts remarkable biodiversity. Encompassing an area of over 1,020 square kilometers, it features the largest remaining stretch of montane forest in either East or Central Africa. The park is home to approximately 310 bird species, a multitude of butterflies and orchids, and over 75 mammal species, including 13 primates, among them chimpanzees, constituting about a quarter of Africa’s primate population.
4. Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park provides an unparalleled wildlife encounter, offering a distinctive experience. As Rwanda’s sole Big 5 reserve, it is also inhabited by the elusive swamp-dwelling Sitatunga. Visitors can also marvel at a plethora of bird species, including the rare Shoebill stork, the endangered papyrus Gonolex, and the highly coveted red-faced Barbet. Boasting over 500 documented species, Akagera stands out as one of the premier birdwatching destinations globally, boasting the highest recorded species density per unit area.
5. Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu, a freshwater body spanning 90 kilometers along Africa’s Great Rift Valley, is encircled by majestic mountains and boasts deep emerald-green waters covering an expanse of 2,700 square kilometers. Renowned for its pristine, transparent waters, it stands out as a picturesque destination devoid of hippos or crocodiles, rendering it one of Africa’s safest lakes. As Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa, Lake Kivu serves as a scenic centerpiece. The Congo Nile Trail, stretching 227 kilometers from Rubavu in the north to Rusizi in the south, offers stunning landscapes along the lake’s periphery.